Is it possible to patent an idea for a business or website idea?

Answer 1

Just log onto the Trevor Bayliss Brands website for all the info and links that you need.

Answer 2

First, it is not possible to patent an idea. Many people will have great ideas, but will not be able to put that idea into a package appropriate for a patent because there is no invention, only a concept. To be sure, the idea is the all critical first step in the invention process. After you come up with the idea or concept you now need to put together a game plan on how to carry that idea through. The idea and game plan together form what the law calls conception. Conception is an important concept in patent law because in the United States it is the first person to invent that will ultimately receive the exclusive rights on an invention. That being said, it is critical that once you conceive (idea + game plan) you will need to be diligent and not let any grass grow under your feet as you move forward toward defining and experimenting with your invention.

In the United States it is possible to patent a business method, which is typically the type of patent that would cover a website. It is also possible to patent software. In reality, patents that cover websites are normally a little bit business method and a little bit software.

For more information see:

http://www.ipwatchdog.com/protect_idea.html
http://www.ipwatchdog.com/busmethpat.html

Good luck.

Answer 3

There are two overriding considerations. The first is whether you have an inventive step. For this you need something a little more than just being different from what has been done before. I little spark of the unexpected is usually needed. If you do not have this you are unlikely to get a worthwhile patent.

The second consideration is whether the novelty of the proposals fall within specific categories excluded by local laws from what can be patented. It is possible, but by no means certain, that a business or website proposals might be considered to be no more than a method of doing business or possibly a computer program and therefore be excluded from patentability in most European countries, but not USA.

If this is a real life situation rather than just an academic enquiry, you should consult a patent attorney who has experience in this type of work. Presenting inventions of these categories in a way that might persuade the Patent Office to grant a Patent can be something of an art form so you need a detailed one-to-one with an expert before you have much chance of making the right decision.

Answer 4

In general a patent has to be for something physical. If you are in america though you can patent a business idea or software. For a website your best bet is copyright. This is simply a case of proving in some way that it is your work.

A patent also has to be unique and never released publicly so if you have an idea you want to patent tell noone about it unless they sign a confidentiality agreement.

Answer 5

patent place is in holborn, see patent attorny first, could cost £500 plus, every 5 years, good luck wiv biz